# Federal Register #APHIS-2024-0040

Notice of Environmental Assessment and Approval for Release of Aceria salsolae to Control Russian Thistle

**Buyer:** Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
**Posted:** September 15, 2026
**Identifier:** APHIS-2024-0040

This notice from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announces the availability of a final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for the field release of the blister mite Aceria salsolae for biological control of Russian thistle.
- Government Buyer:
  - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Purpose:
  - Regulatory announcement regarding the environmental assessment and permitting of Aceria salsolae release
- Products/Services Requested:
  - No products or services are being procured; this is not a procurement opportunity
- Unique/Notable Requirements:
  - APHIS determined the release of Aceria salsolae will not significantly impact the environment
  - Permits will be issued for field release
  - Aceria salsolae is host-specific and targets Russian thistle, an invasive weed resistant to other control methods
  - Supporting documents and public comment periods referenced
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - No OEMs or commercial vendors are mentioned; the notice pertains to regulatory and environmental actions, not procurement

### Description

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact regarding the release of the blister mite Aceria salsolae for biological control of Russian thistle within the contiguous United States. The release aims to reduce infestations of Russian thistle, an invasive weed causing ecological and economic damage. APHIS determined that the release will not significantly impact the environment and will issue permits for the field release. The mite is host-specific and expected to control the weed effectively where other methods have failed.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/15/2026-18858/notice-of-availability-of-a-final-environmental-assessment-and-finding-of-no-significant-impact-for)